Michael Cecere

To Hazard Our Own Security: Maine's Role in the American Revolution Michael Cecere

Maine's role in the American Revolution has traditionally been obscured by the fact that it was part of Massachusetts during the conflict and did not become a state in its own right until 1820. Thousands of men from what is now Maine served in the Revolutionary War, but they did so alongside men from Massachusetts and in units identified as Massachusetts regiments. Together these men fought in nearly every key engagement of the war, including: the siege of Boston, invasion of Canada, and defense of New York in 1775-76, and the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Hubbardton, Saratoga, Monmouth, Rhode Island, Newtown, Stony Point, and finally, Yorktown. Although much of Maine's contribution to the Revolutionary War occurred outside its borders, significant events like the seizure of the Margaretta in Machias, and the British destruction of Falmouth (Portland), brought the war home to Maine. Benedict Arnold's epic 1775 march to Quebec and the ill fated Penobscot expedition of 1779 were also significant events that occurred in Maine. The service and sacrifice of Maine's Revolutionary patriots has been overlooked for far too long and is the focus of this book.